Rotation plans fuzzy; for now, Martin Perez to start opener of final series vs. Oakland

Right-hander Yu Darvish, scratched from a scheduled start Tuesday because of neck stiffness, threw briefly and will try a bullpen session Friday. If all goes well, Darvish will return to the rotation to face the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday.

The Rangers had considered using Darvish, if healthy, for the series opener against the Angels. That would have put Darvish in line to start the final game of the regular season at Oakland on Wednesday. The split of the four-game series against the Athletics decreased the importance of that game.

Ron Washington was vague about left-hander Martin Perez facing Oakland for the second time in six days on Monday.

Washington said as of now the start will go to Perez, who allowed five runs without finishing the first inning in a loss to the Athletics on Wednesday. Washington’s options are limited.

He prefers to keep right-hander Scott Feldman as a long reliever, a role in which he has been effective. Washington is uncertain how long right-hander Roy Oswalt could go in a start. Oswalt has not pitched more than 21/3 innings since Aug. 23. He has worked only 72/3 innings since that start against Minnesota.

“His pitch count has not been built up,” Washington said. “He’s sat around for a long time. So right now, it’s Martin.”